Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-05-16

Commissioner Oberly comes TO the front to-day
In various parts OF the country with further and
much-needed explanation, definition, and amplii-
cation OF the newctvil service rules He promises,
outside of the rules OF course, that such marking
shall be given In the examination that scholastic
emciency shall count in proportion TO practical
efficiency only as one to six. And IL further APP
pears that under his construction and application
OF the new rules, the single examination, which
alone Is contemplated by him, though not so lin
TIED In the regulations is TO be at once searching
and easy; scholastic but not too scholastic;
% limited as TO establish fitness 10 perform the
specific duties of the Office held and also the spe
ctdc duties OF q vacant higher office, and so COM
prehensive that IL shall show as TO every man in
the lower class whether he is efficently perform
ing his present duties and also whether he is fit to
NIL any vacancy whatever, not special, which may
occur In the next higher class; so effective for
good that it will do away with promotions OBJ
tanned by fiattery, sycophancy and favoritism,
and so little a clog upon the present promoting
and retaining powers that any clerk may be pro-
noted who obtains an average of 20 per cent In an
examination which VIII bother no one who is not
already liable to be dismissed for inefciency.
II the vital features OF the new rules, as stated
by the Commissioner, had found a place in the
rules themselves, there would be more excuse for
Mr.. Oberly picturesque rhetoric, which very con-
siderately lkens the alarmed clerks to dogs who
bark at their own shadows. IL further appears
that the President assisted in framing the good
parts OF the new rules, whichever they are,
instead OF Eugene Higgins, who has been popu-
larry suspected OF being the Commits
SONS wicked partner. The clerks Will doubt
less be somewhat treasured by Mr.. Oberiy's
promises. IL Is Of Importance to know that so far
as he can control affairs the new rules shall be
used TO ascertain practical efficiency, and shall
not be employed to carry out q partisan trick
There is a comfort In the belief that the rules
were framed with good intent, even though no
explanation Is youchsafed OF the Illogical mud
ding OF the examination for promotion and eX-
animation for dismissal, which gives TO one ex-
animation twOfOld and contradictory functions,
results In the unfair omission from the test OF the
entire highest class OF clerks, and gives the so
called regulations for promotions the
appearance OF concealIng some purpose not
70 be openly avowed. But the new
rules are so meager In statement and ESO
largely In the minds OF those who are to enforce
them that encouragement to protest against
their apparent abSurditieS and threatened evils
Is found in the hope that by definitions and ex-
plantations, rules yet und1sclosed may develop,
which will give different shape to the plastic
scheme and provide the clerks with a reasonable,
fair and impartial test OF practical efficiency. And
In view OF what has been or may be accomplished
In this direction, the clerks who are all interested
In the matter, VIII probably continue to critici5e
and protest, even though they run the risk OF
being denounced as panieky incapables or bark
ing dogs